Ask MRSC

FREE: Developing a Local Climate Action Strategy: Approaches for Washington Local Governments
Broadcast November 2021
This is the first of three webinars in MRSC’s Local Climate Response Project training series. In this webinar, we will take a closer look at potential tools and approaches for local climate action in Washington State, building off the experiences of our presenters and the planning process that culminated in the adoption of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan earlier this year.

Constitutional Law

First Amendment Considerations for Local Government: Protests, Petitions, Social Media, & Signs
Broadcast September 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
First Amendment issues arise for local governments in a variety of ways, affecting numerous municipal departments, including legal, human resources, executive, planning, parks, and more. Because of this, it’s imperative for local government staff and officials to have a solid understanding of the legal landscape. This webinar will provide up-to-date guidance on how local governments should handle situations currently in the news that involve First Amendment rights, such as protests.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

In addition to the free webinars below, we have also produced other webinars on various topics related to COVID-19. Also see:

"Economic Development" section for webinars on economic development and assisting local businesses during COVID.
"Finance" section for our American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and COVID-19 Budgeting Strategies webinar series.
"Leadership" section for a webinar on the post-pandemic workplace.
"Planning" section for a webinar on online permitting.
"Public Engagement section" for webinars involving online meetings and online community engagement.

FREE: How Your Agency Can Survive and Recover Fiscally from the COVID-19 Outbreak
Broadcast April 29, 2020
In this webinar we will discuss many of the likely issues local governments will face in the coming weeks while dealing with the pandemic. We will also pivot and begin exploring considerations regarding the future need to recover and create a “new normal.” Watch the entire one-hour webinar recording, download the slides, or skip directly to the following sections:

Resource recap (starts at 7:57)
Financial forecasting (starts at 13:04)
Communication (starts at 52:35)
Scenario development (starts at 57:38)

FREE: Managing a Public Utility During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Broadcast April 21, 2020
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
Presented in partnership with the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) and the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts (WASWD), this webinar provides guidance on how to effectively manage a public utility during the COVID-19 pandemic. We cover recent actions by Governor Inslee; provide guidance on the allowable uses of public funds; and review sample policies on late payments, customer payment plans, and other financial mitigation policies. Register for the free webinar and download the slides.

FREE: Preparing for the Fiscal Implications of the Coronavirus Outbreak
Broadcast March 26, 2020
This free webinar addresses some of the financial and operational issues local governments should consider as the coronavirus outbreak worsens in Washington State, including: (1) continuity of operations, (2) impacts to agency revenue, and (3) impacts to local economic development and opportunities for fiscal ‘first aid.’ Watch the entire one-hour webinar recording, download the slides, or skip directly to the following sections:

Continuity of operations (starts at 7:18)
Fiscal implications for your agency (starts at 26:21)
Fiscal first aid (starts at 46:38)
Economic development impacts (starts at 53:55)

FREE: Managing the Impact of COVID-19 on Your Agency
Broadcast March 16, 2020
This free webinar addresses some of the issues faced by local governments in Washington State due to the spread of COVID-19. Some of this guidance has changed since this webinar first aired, including temporary changes to OPMA and the adoption of new federal FFCRA leave laws. Watch the entire one-hour webinar recording, download the slides, or skip directly to the following sections:

Local, state, and federal emergency powers (starts at 4:05)
Leave laws and other personnel issues (starts at 25:10)
Remote meetings and Open Public Meetings Act (starts at 53:37)

Cybersecurity

Best Practices to Prevent Cyber Fraud
Broadcast April 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
In this webinar, you’ll learn about the latest trends in cybercrime with an emphasis on payment fraud. You’ll hear from an FBI cybersecurity investigator, a national expert on vendor fraud, and the Finance Director from the City of Ellensburg on how to prevent and respond to a growing cyber threat to local governments. You’ll receive examples of internal control forms and contract language that you can adapt for your agency’s use and concrete suggestions for internal training.

FREE: Cybersecurity Essentials for Local Government Leaders
Sponsored by the SAO Center for Government Innovation
Broadcast October 2018
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
This free webinar helps public sector leaders understand their organization’s greatest vulnerabilities are and the most important investments necessary to reduce risk. You hear from firsthand experience—in agencies both small and midsized—how opportunistic cybercriminals take advantage of system vulnerabilities. You’ll also learn about cybersecurity training that each person with your organization should have and how to get it. The State Auditor’s Office, our webinar sponsor, offers a list of free cybersecurity-preparedness resources available to local governments in Washington.

Economic Development

Assisting Local Businesses and Retaining Jobs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Broadcast December 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
The COVID-19 pandemic has had many devastating effects, including numerous businesses closing their doors and people losing their jobs. As a result, numerous entities, including many local governments, have stepped up and taken concrete steps to help improve the economic situation of their local businesses and residents. But what are the most effective approaches and is there more that can be done? This webinar will feature case studies from three Washington-based organizations: Thurston County Economic Development Council, Bellingham Port Authority, and City of Burien’s Economic Development Department.

Introduction to Economic Development for Local Governments During COVID-19 and Beyond
Broadcast November 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
This webinar will provide a solid introduction to economic development and identify the steps taken by successful organizations to assist local businesses and promote job retention/creation. It is the first in a 2-part webinar series on Economic Development During (and After) the COVID-19 Pandemic. The second part of this webinar series features case studies from several Washington economic development organizations.

Ethics

Ethical Considerations for Local Government Officials and Staff
Broadcast January 2021 | Access expires February 1, 2022
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
This webinar reviews statutory conflict-of-interest laws, discuss recent “Ask MRSC” questions, and provides a framework for reviewing and updating agency’s ethics codes. Attendees will understand the statutory basis for conflicts of interest and will be better able to understand their options for local rules and procedures.

Finance

Best Practices in Reporting ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Expenditures
Broadcast August 2021 | Access expires September 1, 2022
This webinar will review the quarterly and annual reporting requirements for all cities and counties receiving Local Fiscal Recovery Funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), including reporting periods, due dates, and required information.

Annual Financial Reporting Webinar Series - Reporting Year 2020
Cost: $120
Broadcast March 2021 | Access expires January 1, 2022
This four-part webinar series has been developed to meet the need of those individuals responsible for the preparation and filing of the 2020 annual financial report. The series consists of four 2.0-hour webinars, held on consecutive days, with each webinar addressing a specific component of the ‘cash basis’ annual financial report: (1) Preparation Steps for 2020 Annual Financial Report, (2) Reporting requirements, Schedule 01 and Financial Statements C4/C5, (3) Supplemental Schedules 06 to 22, and (4) Notes to Financial Statements, Review and Submit.

COVID-19 Budgeting Strategies Part 3: Balancing Budget Needs with Budget Wants
Broadcast September 2020 | Access expires October 1, 2021
Balancing a budget can be difficult under extreme conditions such as COVID-19. How can you mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on your budget while still providing the services your citizens need and expect? When and how much of your reserves should be used to balance the budget? The final session in this webinar series will address these questions and others.

COVID-19 Budgeting Strategies Part 2: Revenue Forecasting under COVID-19
Broadcast August 2020 | Access expires October 1, 2021
Accurate revenue forecasting is key to a successful budget, but COVID-19 has made it much harder to create such forecasts, especially for jurisdictions that are heavily dependent upon sales taxes or tourism. This webinar will discuss current economic indicators and forecasts by state agencies and provide considerations for forecasting 2021 and beyond.

COVID-19 Budgeting Strategies Part 1: Strategically Building Your Budget Calendar
Broadcast July 2020 | Access expires October 1, 2021
One of the most important steps in the budget process is establishing an effective budget calendar addressing objectives, public input, preliminary development, final adoption, and more. This webinar will address how to establish a budget strategy under the current COVID-19 challenges, including a timeline to meet your jurisdiction’s needs.

Building a Foundation for Fiscal Oversight
Broadcast February 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
The webinar will present basic financial concepts used by local government to assist with your understanding of the complex world of governmental accounting. Discussion areas include: terminology unique to government financing, fund accounting, restricted revenues and how can they be used, best practices for financial reporting and fiscal oversight, and how the contributions of elected officials can help them and their communities be more successful (and avoid pitfalls at the same time!).

Homelessness and Affordable Housing

Emerging Legal Issues Regarding Homelessness
Broadcast August 2021 | Access expires September 1, 2022
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
Local governments are in the difficult position of both regulating the conduct of homeless individuals under certain circumstances as well as helping ensure they receive supportive services, including food and shelter. This webinar will address how to juggle those seemingly conflicting responsibilities, with a focus on defining: (1) the legal rights of a homeless individual, (2) the appropriate parameters of local governments when interacting with homeless individuals, and (3) gray areas that can put a local government at legal risk and deter efforts to help a homeless individual.

Affordable Housing & Homelessness Series, Part 4: What Local Governments Are Doing to Address Homelessness
Broadcast November 2019 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
Part 4 in the series focuses on homelessness and highlights what two cities (Everett and City of Walla Walla) are doing to provide transitional and permanent housing options for homeless individuals.

Affordable Housing & Homelessness Series, Part 3: What Counties & Cities Can Do to Address the Homelessness Crisis
Broadcast August 2019 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
Part 3 of this series provides an informative overview of the homelessness crisis and offers two case studies about what local governments are doing to address it, including Skagit County’s efforts to address homelessness and Olympia’s work with temporary encampments.

Affordable Housing & Homelessness Series, Part 2: Legal Considerations & Case Studies in Affordable Housing
Broadcast June 2019 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
Part 2 of this series focuses on affordable housing, including legal considerations when developing affordable housing and case studies of local governments that have succeeded in developing more housing options for lower income populations. This webinar explores the affordable housing goals and incentives within the Growth Management Act, as well as look at the constitutional and statutory framework for promoting affordable housing in Washington State. Webinar participants will hear about specific planning efforts by the cities of Ellensburg and Port Townsend regarding affordable housing.

Leadership

Creating a Diverse Workforce: Inclusive Hiring Practices for Local Governments
Broadcast October 2021 | Access expires November 1, 2022
The work needed to create a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity is not always easy and you may be met with resistance along the way. Join us to learn more about inclusive hiring practices and strategies for dealing with challenges that may arise. This webinar primarily focuses on the basics of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, and ensuring your organization is compliant with antidiscrimination and equal opportunity laws.

The Post-Pandemic Workplace, Part 1: Policies and Practices for the Post-COVID Office
Broadcast May 2021 | Access expires June 1, 2022
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
This webinar, Part 1 of the series, covers how cities and counties from across the state are rethinking “the way we’ve always done things”— including telecommute policies, collaborative office spaces, and operational practices that acknowledge that a single approach does not fit all. You will learn how Spokane County is transforming the workplace to enhance workforce recruitment and retention.

Roles and Responsibilities in Local Government:
Strengthening the Relationship of the Legislative and Executive Branches Through Improved Communication
Broadcast March 2021 | Access expires April 1, 2022
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
This webinar provides the legal essentials of roles and responsibilities in local government as a tool for improving effective communication and ongoing relationships. The legislative and executive branches have different and related responsibilities. Understanding the laws and practices related to these roles as well as suggestions for working together in the gray areas can help strengthen local governments.

Building the Foundations of a Great Workplace Culture
Broadcast October 2019 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
Learn practical tips for creating a positive work culture, starting before each new employee walks in for their first day on the job. Our panelists will share their successes in enhancing teamwork, raising morale, and increasing job satisfaction and work performance.

FREE: Better Management Through Values-Based Leadership
Sponsored by the SAO Center for Government Innovation
Broadcast November 2018
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
In this free webinar, you will learn about values-based leadership, examples of how this has been applied in the private sector, and a demonstration of how those skills can be transferred directly to the public sector.

FREE: Using Lean Visual Management to Improve Team Engagement
Sponsored by the SAO Center for Government Innovation
Broadcast October 2018
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
Low-tech, hand-maintained visual management boards can radiate information throughout your organization in ways that digital project management tools do not. This webinar shows how — at a glance — Lean-inspired visual management boards can communicate progress on key organizational initiatives, unite teams around shared goals and values, and help employees feel respected and invested in.

MRSC Services

FREE: Making Your Job Easier with MRSC's Services
Broadcast August 2021
In this free 40-minute webinar, we will provide a comprehensive overview of MRSC's tools, resources, and information — all designed to help you do your job better. This includes our one-on-one inquiry service and a demonstration of how to use our extensive website resources, Sample Document Library, and more.

Open Government (PRA and OPMA)

PRA Deep Dive — Juvenile and Child Records
Broadcast September 2021 | Access expires October 1, 2022
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML, 1.5 CLE
If you're an attorney practicing in Washington State and would like CLE credit from the Washington State Bar Association for viewing this recording, please contact jrice@mrsc.org for additional information.

This webinar will dive into how the Public Records Act and other laws apply to the different types of juvenile and child records held by agencies, explore what records or information may be exempt (including how to clarify when it is unclear) and review requirements as well as best practices for managing public records requests for such material.

FREE: Legislative Update on 2021 Public Records Bills
Broadcast June 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML, meets WAPRO certification requirements (A – 1 hour)
This webinar, presented in partnership with WAPRO, discusses the most significant public records bills passed during the 2021 Legislative Session.

PRA and OPMA Case Law Update - 2021
Broadcast January 2021 | Access expires January 1, 2022
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML, meets WAPRO certification requirements (A – 1 hour)
This webinar reviews trends in recent litigation impacting the Public Records Act (PRA) and the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). Staying abreast of current PRA and OPMA case law is crucial for local government employees and officials to avoid liability.

PRA Deep Dive — Law Enforcement Records
Broadcast October 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML, meets WAPRO certification requirements (A – 1 hour)
This webinar will dig into how the Public Records Act and other laws apply to the different types of records held by law enforcement agencies, what records or information may be exempt (including how to clarify when it is unclear), and will review requirements as well as best practices for managing public records requests for law enforcement records.

PRA Deep Dive — Personnel and Employment Records
Broadcast July 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML, meets Open Government Training Act requirement
This webinar will dig into how the Public Records Act applies to personnel and employment records, including what, specifically, should be kept in a personnel file, what records or information may be exempt (including how to clarify when it is unclear), and will review requirements as well as best practices for managing public records requests involving personnel and employment records.

Planning

Land Use Case Law Update - Summer 2021
Broadcast July 2021 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CPE, 1.0 CML
This webinar reviews land use cases applicable to Washington State, including the most recent regulatory, legislative, and case law developments that every seasoned land use practitioner should know. Our panelists also provide practical advice and guidance to help local governments improve their land use regulation and prepare for potential changes.

Making the Switch to Paperless Permitting
Broadcast June 2021 | Access expires July 1, 2022
This webinar will cover how agencies can move to paperless permitting, including tackling some of the following hot topics: (1) how to get buy-in at your jurisdiction, (2) how paperless permitting can improve customer service, (2) best practices in transitioning to paperless permitting (e.g., hardware/software, archiving), and (4) best practices in reviewing electronic plans.

FREE: Developing an Effective Housing Element | Part 3
Broadcast March 2021
This free webinar, presented in partnership with the state Department of Commerce, will look at how to develop an effective housing element.

The Ins and Outs of Online Permitting & Plan Review
Broadcast August 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
This webinar will highlight the online permitting/plan review systems and processes from four Washington state communities and provide valuable information on: different permit intake and plan review software programs, steps needed to set up and operate an online system, dealing with different types of development permits, training needs, communicating with applicants and the public, and lessons learned using online permitting and plan review.

FREE: How to Develop a Housing Action Plan | Part 2
Broadcast July 2020
This free webinar, presented in partnership with the state Department of Commerce will look at how to develop a housing action plan. A HAP provides a process and framework for assessing local or regional housing needs, identifying barriers to new housing production, and developing strategies to more effectively encourage or support the kinds of new housing construction that can address housing needs.

FREE: How to Prepare a Housing Needs Assessment | Part 1
Broadcast March 2020
This free webinar, created in partnership with the Department of Commerce, provides valuable information on: (1) How to scope your housing needs assessment by looking at common sources of unaffordability, (2) common sources of housing data and ideas for presenting housing data, and (3) gap analysis: what we can learn from the data.

Tips for Writing Good and Effective Development Code Provisions
Broadcast March 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
This webinar covers: (1) what to include in a “good” zoning/development code, (2) tips on how to write effective and user-friendly code language, (3) how to engage key stakeholders when working on new development code language, (4) the importance of having well-thought-out development review procedures to make your zoning/land use regulations easy to understand and use.

Providing Excellent Customer Service at the Permit Counter
Broadcast December 2018 | Access expires December 1, 2021
This webinar will discuss how to provide great customer service to applicants and other members of the public at a permit counter. Real-life examples will highlight successful processes and procedures to establish a customer-oriented environment, tips for working with speakers with limited English proficiency, and approaches for dealing with “difficult” customers.

Public Engagement

Countering Social Media Misinformation
Broadcast October 2021 | Access expires November 1, 2022
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
This webinar will look at how local governments can counter social media-based misinformation and gain better control of the narrative. Ryder Todd Smith, President of Tripepi Smith, will share his insights and experiences on helping agencies navigate through these situations and optimizing your social media communications to avoid these risks.

Facilitating Great Online Meetings
Broadcast February 2021 | Access expires March 1, 2022
Online meetings are here to stay, and this webinar will help bring your meetings to the next level. You’ll learn practical tools and techniques to support community engagement, host staff brainstorming sessions, and hold council and commission meetings that acknowledge and include remote audience members.

Inclusive Public Engagement Strategies
Broadcast October 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
In this webinar, attendees will learn essential strategies for inclusive public engagement, including on-line engagement, and how to identify and build relationships with community organizations and groups as the basis for broad-based outreach. Inclusive public engagement will help your agency reduce misperceptions and mistrust and build a more cohesive community.

Best Practices for Online Community Engagement
Broadcast May 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
Credits available for self-reporting: 1.0 CML
In this webinar we review online engagement best practices that have been developed and implemented by three Washington local governments: Burien, Walla Walla, and Pierce County.

Public Works

Strategies and Tactics for Successfully Resolving Construction Claims
Broadcast May 2021 | Access expires June 1, 2022
This webinar focuses on key construction contract provisions and mediation strategies that can contribute to a successful construction claim mediation.

The Owner’s Role: Jobsite Supervision & Safety on Public Works Projects
Broadcast May 2020 | Access expires December 1, 2021
This webinar discusses how public project owners can ensure that contracts and project operations do not dilute the general contractor’s duties. It also addresses insurance and indemnity provisions related to site safety and whether recent experiences in dealing with construction during the COVID-19 pandemic has informed and affected how site safety and safety to the general public interact.

Purchasing and Contracting

A Review of Purchasing Practices and Service Contracting
Broadcast April 2021 | Access expires April 1, 2022
This webinar will review the practices followed for acquiring materials, supplies and equipment, and use of a vendor roster. It will also cover guidelines for securing general services, as well as Architect and Engineering (A&E) services.

What to Consider When Closing Out a Public Works Contract
Broadcast March 2021 | Access expires April 1, 2022
This webinar will provide key considerations in the closeout process for public works contracts. The activities may be slightly different from agency to agency, as some of the process is based on statutory requirements, and some aspects are defined by the agency.

An Introduction to Public Works Contracting
Broadcast February 2021 | Access expires April 1, 2022
This webinar will provide an overview of the requirements for public works contracting and the related processes that require agency attention. It is recommended for any agency employee who wants to get familiar with public works contracting.

Elements of Unit Price Contracting
Broadcast December 2020 | Access expires January 1, 2022
This webinar will provide an overview of the requirements for unit price contracting. It will include statutory references of those agencies currently authorized to use unit price contracting and offer practical tips to developing a solicitation.

Utilities